The Effect of Dynamic Tape's Directional Support on Shoulder Fatigue and Pitching Performance in Amateur Baseball Players: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of applying Dynamic tape to the pitching shoulder on shoulder fatigue, delayed onset muscle soreness, and performance improvement. A randomized crossover study, with participants and assessors blinded, included 20 amateur adult baseball players without shoulder pain. Sham taping and Dynamic taping were alternated, using an internal rotation support taping method in both groups. Strengths and range of motion in bilateral shoulders were measured with a handheld dynamometer and protractor before and after each test. Percentage of strength decrease, pitch velocity, spin rate, and shoulder pain were recorded. The Dynamic tape group showed a significant reduction in internal rotation strength decline compared to the sham group (-1.4% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in other strength declines, shoulder range of motion, pain, pitching velocity, or spin rate. Dynamic tape reduced direction-specific shoulder fatigue but did not significantly enhance pitching performance or prevent delayed onset muscle soreness.